Swindon leads the way in taking up the Right to Buy
Swindon residents are being helped to realise their dreams of home ownership.
Housing Minister Kris Hopkins today (7 November 2013) heard for himself how Swindon residents are being helped to realise their dreams of home ownership thanks to the reinvigorated Right to Buy.
The minister met with mother-of-two Dena Trevett, a tenant for 21 years who is looking to buy her home through Right to Buy.
Over a cup of tea Ms Trevett explained how the Right to Buy has given her the vital step up onto the property ladder to buy the home she has lived in for many years.
Ms Trevett explained how she had dreamed of owning her own home for as long as she can remember - and how finally she has the chance to do just that.
Mr Hopkins also heard how Swindon Council has been offering a good service to tenants, taking them through the Right to Buy process every step of the way.
Reinvigorated Right to Buy
Swindon tenants are leading the way in taking up this new opportunity to buy their own home. Over the last year, 40 households took up the Right to Buy in the area, while there have been 13 sales in the first quarter of this year alone. Across the country, since the scheme was reinvigorated, over 10,000 council and housing association tenants have taken up their Right to Buy.
And receipts from additional sales are being recycled back into the development of new affordable homes for rent. This is on top of the government already delivering over 150,000 affordable homes over the past 3 years. And with around £23 billion public and private investment planned in the 3 years from 2015, this will help towards the fastest rate of affordable housebuilding for 2 decades.
Housing Minister Kris Hopkins said:
I am really pleased to hear how, thanks to the reinvigorated Right to Buy, Dena is now able to buy the home she’s lived in and loved for over 20 years.
Swindon residents are leading the way in taking up this new opportunity, with discounts of up to £75,000 available. And under this new scheme, any additional homes sold will be replaced with a new affordable home to rent.
So I would urge anyone looking to follow Dena’s lead and take up their Right to Buy to either contact Swindon Council or visit our website to find out more.
Dena Trevett said:
I have always dreamed of owning my own home but could never quite get there.
The new Right to Buy gave me the opportunity and extra helping hand that I needed and I am proud that I am able to buy the place that I have already called home for so long.
Further Information
Anyone interested in taking up the Right to Buy can find out more by visiting the Right to Buy website or going to the Facebook page.
Media enquiries
Email [email protected]
Please use this number if you are a journalist wishing to speak to Press Office 0303 444 1209